Summer 2016

Posted by Lori Hurt

In addition to our trip to Texas and Doug’s trip to Israel, we have had a very full summer.

We started out the summer with a very special event: Lucy’s very first dance recital. Somehow, Doug and I were sitting in the very front row middle and Lucy spotted us. She managed to blow us kisses on her way off the stage. We were very impressed with the entire show and of course, proud of our little girl.

Ready for Ballet 2 and Jazz 1!

The very first day of our summer break was rainy. Lucy suggested we bake a cake after finding a recipe in the back of an Amelia Bedelia book. Why not?

Some sweet neighbors offered us a state park pass and we have been eager to see more of the parks in our area. The weather is mostly gorgeous all summer.

We were amazed our kids could play on metal slides in the dead of summer. You can’t get away with that in Texas.

The neatest trail ever.

Parks are more fun with friends.

Our friend, Allison brought over puppies for us Lucy to play with.

She was in heaven and made a really strong case to keep one. Daddy is stronger than I am and said no.

While Doug was in Israel, we spent the Fourth of July with friends in the bustling metropolis of George, Iowa.

posing with puppies

The day was filled with friends, food, swimming, laughter, puppies, convertible rides, snow cones, and fireworks. George, you did not disappoint!

We were really happy when Daddy came home!

Another sweet neighbor gave us tickets to the Storm-Sioux Falls’ professional indoor football team. We also found a family festival going on in town.

fearless

more snow cones!

They attended Mega Sports Camp at a friend’s church. Jack signed up for basketball and Lucy fell in love with cheerleading.

Jack also attended Eagle Lake Camp hosted at our church for his second year in a row. At the end of the week, he was awarded the Intelligence Award.

They were super excited about the BFG movie because we had read it this past school year together. Lucy has been speaking in a British accent ever since.

She lost her first tooth!

One last trip to the zoo before school started.

So long, summer!

Field Trips 2016

Posted by Lori Hurt

This post is dedicated to my dear friend who plans all of our field trips for our homeschool group. We leave the house much more often because of her. Thank you, Emily.

February

The moms planned a Valentine’s Day party for the kids. So much fun!

There were some pretty creative Valentine boxes out there. I am pretty proud of Jack’s bag and Lucy’s backpack.

Some crafts and activities with friends.

The fellowship and food was great. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Next this month was a beginner sign language class. I’m not sure how much baby sign language was retained by my two.

And the last field trip for February was a class on winter animals at the Outdoor Campus.

Craft Time!

She really loves stuffed animal of all kinds.

feeding the fish

March

Here the kids worked in groups to create their own “roller coasters” for the Roller Coaster Science class. After assembled, a marble was sent down to test the ride.

The next trip was a computer demolition class. The boys were all over this one. I think it was Jack’s favorite so far.

April

While Jack took a beginner programming class at the library for the older students, Lucy joined an art class for her age group.

They also learned how to use the computers at the library to look up books and play games.

Next we took another class at the Outdoor Campus about birds and bird watching.

Apparently, due to allergies, Crisco has replaced peanut butter for pinecone bird feeders.

bird necklace craft

hanging her feeder

And at the end of April, they attended a Junior Achievement course that taught about community basics like economy, voting, and being a good citizen.

May

Our only trip in May was to the rock quarry in Sioux Falls. So. Much. Quartzite.

We couldn’t leave the bus so this was the only picture I managed to get.

August

We managed to make it to two trips in late summer. The first one was a hospital tour in town.

touring the new ambulance

The second trip was a pontoon ride at Split Rock Park in Garretson, SD.

We passed bat caves, bald eagles, and Jessie James’ old hideouts.

September

And our first field trip of the 2016-2017 school year was to the Pioneer Village in Worthington, MN. Lucy had to wear her pioneer bonnet bought earlier this summer at the Alamo.

in the one room schoolhouse

wood working old school

The old dentist room was creepy.

But not as creepy as the antique doll.

It’s going to be a fun year!

one year

Posted by Lori Hurt

March 19th, one year ago, our moving van pulled into our (temporary) apartment parking lot. We were met with a large crowd from our new church family who quickly unloaded the trucks into our home and storage unit.